I'm 85 and looking for work but no one will hire me. I just need to pay the bills — I'm an old girl, but I'm not a dead girl.

Alyssa Schukar for BI

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Pat Fagin Scott, an 85-year-old woman who lives in Washington, DC. Despite working in the corporate world and for the US government, she hasn't been able to find a job recently, believing her age has hindered her from landing anywhere. She needs to work to supplement her retirement income. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.